MIDLAND, MI — Dale E. Kildee, a Congressional colleague of U.S. Rep. Dave Camp, said he was troubled by news that Camp was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, but remained optimistic when told the disease was in the "very early, highly treatable, and curable" stage.

Camp, a 59-year-old Midland Republican, made his diagnosis public this afternoon. In a statement, Camp said he plans to undergo chemotherapy while remaining with Congress, where he serves Michigan's 4th District and as chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.

Camp said he expects to recover.

Kildee, a Flint Democrat, called Camp "one of the most powerful" figures in Congress.

"I certainly wish him well," Kildee said. "I would think early detection is going to be in his favor. I expect, knowing he is very intelligent and bright and responsible, that he has a better than ordinary chance (at a recovery)."

Kildee, who learned of the news when The Saginaw News contacted him for comment, said he wasn't surprised Camp plans to continue work while undergoing treatment.

"He's that type of person," Kildee said. "We have worked together for so many years, and that's who he is."

U.S. Rep. Dave Camp

Kildee said, even though the two sit across the aisle from each other in the political sense and disagree on many issues, Camp is one of the most valuable members of Congress — especially considering the polarized partisan politics of today's Republican and Democrat parties.

"He is an example of civility in Congress," Kildee said. "We need more people with that civility. I've never heard him utter a nasty word about someone."

Kildee said he's confident the region Camp represents — a district that covers much of northwest Lower Michigan to Saginaw County — won't be under-represented while he recovers.

Kildee has been a member of Congress since 1977. He said he's watched other colleagues over the years deal with various health issues while remaining as representatives including, most recently, Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was shot in the head but remained in office for one year until she resigned in January.

Kildee said a strong staff helps make up the difference for a politician dealing with health issues.